NAKURU, Kenya- Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua is set to begin a two-day political tour of Nakuru County on Friday as he steps up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua’s Nakuru tour will begin in Naivasha before moving to Nakuru Town, where the DCP leader is scheduled to engage residents in Nakuru Town West and Nakuru Town East.
According to the programme released by the party, Gachagua is expected in Naivasha Town, before proceeding to Soko Mjinga in Nakuru Town West.
His Friday engagements will culminate at KANU House in Nakuru Town East.
The second day of the tour, Saturday, August 15, will take Gachagua to Njoro, Elburgon, Turi, Molo, Kibunja and Rongai, as DCP seeks to strengthen its presence across the county.
The Nakuru visit is part of a wider grassroots mobilisation programme that Gachagua began last week.
The former Deputy President has been moving across different counties as DCP builds its structures and seeks to position itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua Targets Rift Valley
The Nakuru tour is politically significant because the county is located in the Rift Valley, a region that remains a key political base for President William Ruto.
Gachagua’s planned visit has already triggered reactions from leaders in the region.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago recently warned the DCP leader against what he described as tribal and divisive politics as he prepared to enter the Rift Valley.
Mandago nevertheless said Gachagua was free to campaign and seek votes in the region.
Gachagua has, meanwhile, been presenting DCP as a growing national political movement and has intensified efforts to attract leaders from other parties.
The party has recently highlighted defections and growing interest from politicians in Nakuru and Laikipia.
Gachagua has also claimed that 24 sitting MCAs from Nakuru and Laikipia had visited him at his Wamunyoro residence, a development he cited as evidence of growing support for DCP.
DCP Tightens Defection Process
As Gachagua takes the party into Nakuru, DCP is also tightening its process for admitting politicians from rival parties.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala said Friday that Gachagua had established a seven-member committee to vet politicians seeking to defect from UDA and other parties.
Malala said the party would scrutinise prospective members to ensure that their political conduct and values align with DCP’s principles.
The move comes amid increased political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua seeking to consolidate support through grassroots engagements and the recruitment of political leaders.
For now, attention will be on Gachagua’s reception in Nakuru as the DCP leader begins a two-day tour that could provide an early indication of the party’s ability to expand its political footprint in the Rift Valley.
